Introduction
I’ll say this right up front, if you are looking for a
mirrorless camera that performs and handles like a pro DSLR. Fast startup, fast
AF, excellent handling, an EVF that is the best I’ve seen, and backward
four-thirds compatibility all add up to a big win for Olympus.
The E-M1 is styled in the same vein as a number of other
recent micro four-thirds bodies from Olympus. That is to say, it has some retro
flavor which draws inspiration from classic 1970s SLRs.
This isn’t a camera that is designed to move point and shoot
photographers into an interchangeable lens system, it is for the
advanced-enthusiast and professional photographer. It’s designed to convince
advanced photographers that many of the final reasons to hang onto their DSLR
have become obsolete.
Appearance & Construction
The E-M1 is styled in the same vein as a number of other
recent micro four-thirds bodies from Olympus. That is to say, it has some retro
flavor which draws inspiration from classic 1970s SLRs.
The E-M1’s magnesium alloy body construction gives the
camera as solid of a feeling in the hand as you are likely to find
The E-M1’s magnesium alloy body construction gives the
camera as solid of a feeling in the hand as you are likely to find. Quite
simply, this feels like a pro camera. Perhaps more importantly, with its
freezeproof, dustproof and splashproof abilities, the E-M1 is weatherproofed
like a real camera as well.
On the left side of the camera body, there is a rubber cover
of an external microphone jack. And, the second door covers the combined USB
and standard-def A/V port, and the high-definition HDMI video output.
Flip screen is excellent for those really low angles
Flip screen is excellent for those really low angles, where
lying on the ground to see your composition would be uncomfortable or
impossible. This feature also helps for the shorter photographer needing to get
a shot overhead, or for those high angles that would need some sort of elevated
platform with other cameras.
Controls and handling
The E-M1 has a DSLR style grip that makes me very happy.
The camera is slightly wider and slightly taller. The grip is incredibly
comfortable and is sculpted to perfectly conform to your hand on both the front
and rear as you hold it. And it gives a very solid feel in the hand without
being bulky.
All of the main controls are within easy reach for average
fingers and none require odd contortions to access.
The grip is incredibly comfortable and is sculpted to
perfectly conform to your hand on both the front and rear as you hold it
I really REALLY love the E-M1’s locking mode dial. I often carry
a mirrorless camera in whatever bag or case I have with me that day. It might
be a fishing pack or a laptop messenger satchel as often as it is a
camera-specific bag, causing my cameras to often get put into and pulled out of
tight quarters. Lock button down, dial isn’t moving.
Memory and batteries
The E-M1 has a separate slot for the SD card, on the side of
the camera. This is convenient, as you can change cards even when the camera is
on a tripod.
The card simply presses down into its slot and is
automatically locked in place. To remove press again. The card fits with its
pick-ups facing the back of the camera.
